Art Modell remembered for his kindness, humor

Funeral for former Ravens owner held at Baltimore Hebrew Congregation

UPDATED 6:42 PM EDT Sep 11, 2012

BALTIMORE -

Tributes to the man credited with bringing football back to Baltimore went on throughout the weekend and continued during Art Modell's funeral, where he was remembered by family and friends as a caring man who loved to smile and make people laugh.

Hundreds attended Modell's funeral Tuesday morning at Baltimore Hebrew Congregation to say goodbye to the former Ravens owner and support his family.

Rabbi Andrew Busch presided over the funeral. He said whenever he and Modell would visit, theology, football or world matters were never really discussed, but they did trade lots of jokes. He said Modell was always curious about the people he met, their families and what was going on in their lives.

"He wanted to just interact with other people. He was warm. In Yiddish, we would call him a mensch, which is just a good, upright person," Busch said.

Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, who has been with the team since Modell brought it to Baltimore, took the podium at the funeral to remember his friend.

"Modell had a vision to change the way people thought about opportunities in life," he said. Lewis said there wouldn't have been a Ravens franchise if it weren't for Modell's vision.

Lewis joked that he used to want to be like Modell because he was always trying to figure out what fragrance the owner was wearing. He said people knew when Modell walked into a room and when he walked out.

"When we leave this earth, we’re supposed to rejoice. This man lived a life that should make everyone in this room smile and find a different way to impact somebody along the way. Because when it all settles, what will your legacy be?" Lewis said to the crowd.

David Modell, Art's son, took the podium next, making much of his speech a continuation of a letter he had written to his mother, Patricia, when she died in October 2011. He thanked her for bringing his father into his life.

"What you didn’t realize at the time was that you were giving me a wonderful father, a dear friend and my one true hero," David Modell said. "It would be easy to claim he was my hero. … His greatest attribute was his kindness, sense of humor, gentlemanliness and his respect of others. They were best exemplified in his quieter moments and were forged early."

David Modell told a story about a man he called Bob the gardener, who asked for his father's help when he was young. David, 13 at the time, suggested that his dad shouldn't help because he would never have to see Bob again. But his father said, "I know, but you have to remember, I understand hard times."

David Modell said his dad relied on humor to get through hard times, which made others around him feel better. He said his dad was up to his old tricks at the hospital last week, too.

"When asked if he was comfortable, Art said he made a living. When asked how he slept, Art said, 'Like a baby -- woke up every 2 hours crying.' When asked how he felt, he said, 'Like a 20-year-old. How do you find one at this hour?'" David Modell joked.

He said the last communication he had with his father was a laugh they shared as they joked about hold hands.

David Modell said his father loved his wife so deeply that he spoke of her every day. He said she would have been proud of the turnout at his public memorial on Saturday.

"There was kindness and warmth from complete strangers. It was peaceful and celebratory and loving, and it was all for your Papi. He really loved Baltimore, and Baltimore loves Art Modell," David Modell said. "I love you both dearly, I miss you more than you'll ever know, and I'll see you on the other side."

John Modell, Art's other son, took the podium next as he fought back tears.

"How do I sum up the life of someone like Art Modell? I could be here until next Tuesday. I don't think we have the room that long, do we?" he joked, saying he wanted to tell one of his dad's favorite jokes, but didn’t think it was appropriate in a house of worship.

"It's unimaginably hard to be speaking to you today. … It's like there's a hole that can never be filled. My dad was quite simply the best and most fun father a person could possibly ever have," John Modell said.

He said his dad's eyes always had the sparkle of sensitivity and love. He said everyone knew where they stood with him. Art Modell's creativity, innovation and problem-solving were in the spirit of a kid whose curiosity and enthusiasm knew no bounds. He said his dad would have wanted them all to smile and laugh.

"Art was best known as chairman of the broadcast committee for 31 years. It was appropriate that last night, the Ravens hosted Monday Night Football, one of the greatest success stories in NFL history. Art and Pete Rozelle created that," he said.

Goodell said Modell was a caring and loving man who treated players and employees like family, supporting them well beyond their tenure with the club.

Fans remember Modell at stadium tribute

Similar sentiments were echoed over the weekend as many in the Baltimore community paid their respects Saturday during a memorial at M&T Bank Stadium.

"If it wasn't for Art Modell, we wouldn't have an organization, so just sending condolences to his family," one Ravens fan said.

"I'm a little emotional," another fan said. "We missed Baltimore football for so many years. It's great to have it back, and he brought it here, so it's sad to see him go."

Tuesday's service focused on Modell's larger-than-life personality along with the relationships he built and his many contributions.

"Jewish tradition teaches us our funerals are the same no matter who we are, whether world or nationally famous or whether we are someone who lived a quiet life. I think Art would want the same," Busch said.